TheDenver Broncos chances of beating the San Diego Chargers took a hit on Sunday as they boarded the plane for Southern California. Cornerback Tracy Porter did not make the trip and will not play due to an undisclosed illness. That’s a big loss for a struggling defense, especially when you consider that the opposing quarterback is Phillip Rivers. Rivers is having a bounce back season and always plays well versus the Broncos.

The loss of Porter by itself is not the problem; Chris Harris is playing better anyway. Harris is likely to start in place of Porter and has been one of the best players all season on the defensive side of the ball. The problem is when the Broncos have to go to five or six defensive backs, that’s when the Broncos are likely to feel the loss of Porter.

The two players that are going to have to step up are young players, Tony Carter and Omar Bolden. Carter has played in the nickel and dime defenses all season but will now be counted on to play more than he has all season. Bolden has played sparingly on defense and Rivers will go after him when he sees him on the field. Both Carter and Bolden are going to have to play big if the Broncos are going to have a chance.

In addition to the two young cornerbacks, the pass rush must show up for the Denver Broncos. The best way to make up for a suspect secondary is by pressuring the quarterback. Porter is a big loss but it is up to the defense as a whole to overcome his absence. With or without Porter, the Broncos have to have this one!